Introduction to this Service
Everyone is to bring an evergreen branch to worship. Extra boughs may be brought by church members and handed out to those who do not have any. The evergreen is a useful symbol for the Christian life. The focus of the message is to consider how we can remain "ever-green" and fruitful as people of faith. During enjoyable holiday periods, most of us are like the fresh-cut evergreen. The sweet aroma of our lives is readily lavished on everyone. After these periods of celebration, however, we are faced once again with the mundane round of events in life. This can rob us of our reverie. How do we maintain a "greenness" that is fresh, vital, and life-enhancing? How do we live a life that is saturated with and sustained by joy? Jesus gave us a clue when he said, "Abid…